TIGHTEN UP

U.S. naval forces have deployed off the Somali coast to prevent leaders of defeated Islamic militias escaping.
Kenya has also significantly tightened border security to stop an influx of fleeing fighters, as aid agencies called for help for genuine refugees.
Uganda's president is traveling to Ethiopia to discuss forming an African force to stabilize the country.
A two-week advance by Ethiopian troops swept the Islamic militias from areas they had controlled for six months.
Source: BBC

Langh Tech has bought Deltamarin Ltd’s share of the previously jointly owned DeltaLangh Ltd, which manufactures scrubbers and water treatment systems.
“The cooperation with Deltamarin continues and Deltamarin Floating Construction can still provide turnkey scrubber installations,” said Laura Langh-Lagerlöf.
The method developed by Langh is based on an environmentally friendly closed-loop scrubber that can also be used in open-loop mode

At a scheduled meeting today, the Governing Board of the International Energy Agency discussed the current restraints on world oil supply, the significant decline in oil stocks worldwide and the sharp rise in oil prices. They expressed concern that the tightening supply situation could feed inflation and slow economic growth, thereby giving rise to problems particularly for developing countries.
“Such instability would be in no one’s interest,” said Robert Priddle

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Board of Directors has unanimously appointed engineer Jose Barrios Ng as its new deputy administrator after serving as ACP chief financial officer since 2002.
He will continue to oversee his former position until a replacement is appointed. Barrios Ng holds a master's in economics engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles, a master's in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech and a degree in corporate finance from the Massachusetts

European Union transport ministers welcomed proposals to tighten safety rules for oil tankers in the wake of the disastrous Erika oil spill off France's Atlantic coast last year. Ministers from the 15 EU states had an initial discussion of proposals put forward by the EU's executive Commission, but took no decisions. The Commission has called for a series of measures, including the phasing out of single-hulled oil tankers and the tightening up of port inspections

BBC Chartering announces the opening of a new representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, starting August 1st breakbulk, and general cargo transportation due to good prospects and growth rates outperforming other countries in the region.
“The strong expansion of the Vietnamese economy means increased investments and more project activity within the industrial sector of the country,” said Svend Andersen, CEO of BBC Chartering.

The captain of the tanker Erika, which sank off France's west coast in December causing a huge oil spill, said crews had to work to such tight budgets that safety standards could not always be met.
"There are certain things that nobody dares to say, but the job has changed a lot, everything is going too fast, everything is dominated by money," the 36-year-old captain said.
The Erika's crew was winched to safety when the vessel split apart and sank in stormy seas on December 12.

Shipbrokers Simpson, Spence and Young's Pacific Capesize Index rose 123 points in the week ending Monday to 5,726. "A major resurgence from Japanese interests heated the spot market in the Pacific with rates rising accordingly. Because of the tightened supply situation any new interest will boost the market," SS&Y said. "Several charterers have already covered early November positions, but enquiries are still relatively plentiful leading to a conclusion of continued strength in the Pacific for

Coast Guard crews are overseeing the containment of product and pollution to minimize environmental impact from the fire at McCotters Marina in Washington, Jan. 7. Two thousand feet of boom was deployed to encircle the marina, and absorbent pads were placed within the boom where sheen was apparent.
Eastern Environmental Management, a contracted cleanup company based from Rocky Mountain, N.C., is working to collect the absorbent pads and tighten up the boom.

China's Tianjin Port Holdings has found no evidence of an alleged fraud involving petrochemicals reported by media earlier this month, the company said in a statement on Monday.
Citing police and trade sources, Reuters had reported police were investigating a suspected contract fraud at Tianjin Port that involved "mixed aromatics", a refinery product commonly used for blending petrol.
But Tianjin Port said it had made checks with the companies said to be involved and had found

U.S. oil drillers increased rigs this week for a 21th week in the last 24, as energy firms follow through on plans to add rigs made months ago when crude was still trading over the key $50 a barrel level analysts said should lead to more drilling.

On the 18 th October, the Port’s Engineering team successfully replaced the existing 1.8m diameter sluice valve at the south east corner of our Prince Phillip Lock with a refurbished spare as part of their on-going regime of programmed maintenance.

Parker Bestobell Marine, part of Parker Hannifin, has won a contract to supply cryogenic globe and check valves for two Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries (Calmac) being built at Ferguson Marine Engineering in Glasgow.
The valves will be installed in the liquid natural gas (LNG) fuel gas

Four African migrants drowned and 34 were rescued after their boat sank in the Mediterranean on Wednesday, Moroccan authorities said.
The Mediterranean between Morocco and Spain was a major route around 10 years ago for migrants from Africa trying to reach Europe

Based on preliminary reporting from operating units, TGS management expects net revenues for the second quarter of 2016 to be approximately USD 114 million. Multi-client investments for the second quarter are expected to be approximately USD 62 million.

NYK Line received award sponsored by the Japan Federation of Freight Industries (JFFI) recognizing the environmental load reduction achieved by Japan's first LNG-fueled tugboat, Sakigake.
This is the third time since 2009 that NYK has been honored at this annual awards ceremony.

Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES) has completed the world’s first ME-GIE ethane-operated two-stroke diesel engine. The engines will be for propulsion of three ethylene carriers, which will also carry ethane as cargo.

Investments in energy efficiency improvements offer cruise and ferry and merchant vessel operators an opportunity to reduce operating costs and emissions while building a more sustainable brand image, says Wärtsilä Corporation.

Upward moves in the Capesize index are now starting to stall, according to Freight Investor Services (FIS). "Last week we witnessed some short covering in the market which was supported by the technical picture, and this appears to be now drawing to a close," says FIS.

Oil prices were up about 1 percent on Friday, on track for their biggest weekly gains since May, after a short covering rally was triggered by comments from Saudi Arabia's oil minister in the previous session about possible action to help stabilize the market.

Following markedly slow growth of just 3.5% in 2015 due to decreased rental demand, the global leased container equipment operating fleet is forecast to increase by little more than 1% in 2016, according to the latest edition of the Container Leasing Industry Annual Report 2016

VLCC rates from MidEast have reached a floor at W33; surging Suezmax rates could make VLCCs more attractive.
Freight rates for very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are set to climb next week as charterers ramp up tanker fixing activity from the Middle East while increased oil volumes from West

IMO to decide whether to introduce rules in 2020, or 2025; EU, China already pushing for stricter regulation.
The global shipping industry is bracing for a key regulatory decision that could mark a milestone in reducing maritime pollution

The number of rigs drilling for oil in the United States rose again this week, extending its second-best streak of no cuts into a 17th straight week, with analysts expecting more additions as crude prices hold over $50 a barrel.
Drillers added 11 oil rigs in the week to Oct

Countries led by Japan on Tuesday blocked a move by South American and African states to create a South Atlantic sanctuary for whales they say are endangered by hunting despite a global moratorium in force for 30 years.
The proposal brought by five African and South American countries would